On New Year’s Eve 2012, my back went out. It was diagnosed as a bulging disc. In the beginning, I could barely move. My physician prescribed Oxycodone, as well as physical therapy. During the last year I had three spinal injections, as well as treatments from a chiropractor, a physical therapist, an acupuncturist, and a massage therapist.

I am now off of Oxycodone. My doctor prescribed a step-down medication to get me off of my final dose of half a pill a day. My pain has decreased enough to be hopeful for the future.

My perspective is that those in the medical industry, specifically family physicians, are poorly trained and ill-equipped to deal with chronic pain. Perhaps there should be less judgment and more understanding, as well as recommendations for alternative treatments for pain.

Faith Steury, Thornton

This letter was published in the Feb. 8 edition.

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Last August, a Forbes article estimated the National Football League would rake in more than $9 billion in revenues in 2013, about the same amount earned by such firms as Hertz Global Holdings, Discover Financial Services, and W.W. Grainger. The article concluded, “The league remains the most lucrative in the world.”

Your editorial brought the remarkable news that the NFL is a tax-exempt organization. While most of us realize there is little rhyme or reason to the current tax code, I cannot fathom by what twisted logic or lobbying tour de force the NFL gained tax-exempt status.

The issue is not how much or how little the NFL pays its top management; it is the fundamental absurdity of the league’s exemption.

Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., is to be applauded for his bill removing the NFL’s tax-exempt status. Colorado Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall should be urged to sign on as co-sponsors.

T. Simmons, Denver

This letter was published in the Feb. 8 edition.

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It seems to me that when someone has something important to sell, they will do everything possible to publicize its virtues. Scott Gessler’s and Tom Tancredo’s refusal to participate in gubernatorial primary debates and other forums suggests to me that either they have nothing much to sell or perhaps they have something to hide.

Come on, guys. Don’t be shy. If you really want to be governor, let’s hear what you have to say about the issues voters care about, like jobs and the economy, income inequality, health care, the environment and fracking, immigration, marriage equality and marijuana legislation. Let your primary opponents challenge you if you are up to it. Curious voters would like to know.

Bob Kropfli, Golden

This letter was published in the Feb. 8 edition.

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Guidelines: The Post welcomes letters up to 150 words on topics of general interest. Letters must include full name, home address, day and evening phone numbers, and may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.